Search

Background and purposeKcnq-encoded KV7 channels (termed KV7.1-5) regulate vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contractility at rest and as downstream targets of receptor mediated responses. However, the current literature focuses predominantly on males. Considering the known impact of sex, the oestrus cycle and sex-hormones on vascular reactivity, the aim of this investigation was to characterise the molecular and functional properties of KV7 within renal and mesenteric arteries from female Wistar rats separated into Di-oestrus and Met-oestrus (F-D/M) and Pro-oestrus and Oestrus (F-P/E).Experimental approachRT-qPCR, immunocytochemistry, proximity-ligation assay and wire myography were performed in renal and mesenteric arteries. Circulating sex-hormone concentrations was determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry. Whole-cell electrophysiology undertaken on cells expressing KV7.4 in association with G-protein coupled Oestrogen receptor 1 (GPER1).Key resultsThe KV7.2-5 activators S-1/ML213 and the pan-KV7 inhibitor Linopirdine were more effective in arteries from F-D/M compared to F-P/E animals. In VSMCs isolated from F-P/E rats, the membrane abundance of KV7.4 but not KV7.1, KV7.5 and Kcne4 was reduced compared to F-D/M cells. Plasma oestradiol was significantly higher in F-P/E compared to F-D/M and progesterone showed the converse pattern. Oestradiol/GPER1 agonist G-1 diminished KV7.4 currents in heterologous expression system and reduced KV7.4 membrane abundance, ML213 relaxations, and interaction between KV7.4 and the molecular chaperone protein, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), in arteries from F-D/M but not F-P/E.Conclusions and implicationsGPER1 signalling decreases KV7.4 membrane abundance in conjunction with diminished interaction with HSP90, giving rise to a ‘pro-contractile state.’

Kcnq-encoded KRT-qPCR, immunocytochemistry, proximity ligation assay and wire myography were performed in renal and mesenteric arteries. Circulating sex hormone concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Whole-cell electrophysiology was undertaken on cells expressing KThe KGPER1 signalling decreased K

Background and Purpose: Arterial diameter is dictated by the contractile state of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which is modulated by direct and indirect inputs from endothelial cells (ECs). Modulators of KCNQ-encoded kV7 channels have considerable impact on arterial diameter and these channels are known to be expressed in VSMCs but not yet defined in ECs. However, expression of kV7 channels in ECs would add an extra level of vascular control. This study aims to characterize the expression and function of KV7 channels within rat mesenteric artery ECs.Experimental Approach: In rat mesenteric artery, KCNQ transcript and KV7 channel protein expression were determined via RT-qPCR, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy. Wire myography was used to determine vascular reactivity.Key Results: KCNQ transcript was identified in isolated ECs and VSMCs. KV7.1, KV7.4 and KV7.5 protein expression was determined in both isolated EC and VSMC and in whole vessels. Removal of ECs attenuated vasorelaxation to two structurally different KV7.2-5 activators S-1 and ML213. KIR2 blockers ML133, and BaCl2 also attenuated S-1 or ML213-mediated vasorelaxation in an endothelium-dependent process. KV7 inhibition attenuated receptor-dependent nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasorelaxation to carbachol, but had no impact on relaxation to the NO donor, SNP.Conclusion and Implications: In rat mesenteric artery ECs, KV7.4 and KV7.5 channels are expressed, functionally interact with endothelial KIR2.x channels and contribute to endogenous eNOS-mediated relaxation. This study identifies KV7 channels as novel functional channels within rat mesenteric ECs and suggests that these channels are involved in NO release from the endothelium of these vessels.

Background and Purpose: Arterial diameter is dictated by the contractile state of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which is modulated by direct and indirect inputs from endothelial cells (ECs). Modulators of KCNQ-encoded kV7 channels have considerable impact on arterial diameter and these channels are known to be expressed in VSMCs but not yet defined in ECs. However, expression of kV7 channels in ECs would add an extra level of vascular control. This study aims to characterize the expression and function of KV7 channels within rat mesenteric artery ECs. Experimental Approach: In rat mesenteric artery, KCNQ transcript and KV7 channel protein expression were determined via RT-qPCR, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy. Wire myography was used to determine vascular reactivity. Key Results: KCNQ transcript was identified in isolated ECs and VSMCs. KV7.1, KV7.4 and KV7.5 protein expression was determined in both isolated EC and VSMC and in whole vessels. Removal of ECs attenuated vasorelaxation to two structurally different KV7.2-5 activators S-1 and ML213. KIR2 blockers ML133, and BaCl2 also attenuated S-1 or ML213-mediated vasorelaxation in an endothelium-dependent process. KV7 inhibition attenuated receptor-dependent nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasorelaxation to carbachol, but had no impact on relaxation to the NO donor, SNP. Conclusion and Implications: In rat mesenteric artery ECs, KV7.4 and KV7.5 channels are expressed, functionally interact with endothelial KIR2.x channels and contribute to endogenous eNOS-mediated relaxation. This study identifies KV7 channels as novel functional channels within rat mesenteric ECs and suggests that these channels are involved in NO release from the endothelium of these vessels.

Background and purpose KCNQ-encoded KV7 channels are expressed within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and are key regulators of vascular reactivity, regulating resting tone and as functional targets of endogenous responses. Endothelial cells (ECs) form a paracrine signaling platform that line all blood vessels and regulate tone, but little is known of KV7 channels in vascular ECs. This study aims to characterize the expression and function of KV7 channels within rat mesenteric artery ECs. Experimental approach In rat mesenteric artery, KCNQ transcript and KV7 channel protein expression were determined via RT-qPCR, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy. Wire myography was used to determine vascular reactivity. Key results KCNQ transcript was identified in EC marker expressing cells using a reductive approach. KV7.4 and KV7.5 protein expression was determined in both isolated EC and VSMC and in whole vessels. Removal of ECs attenuated vasorelaxation to two structurally different KV7.2-5 activators S-1 and ML213. KIR2 blockers ML133 and BaCl also attenuated S-1 or ML213-mediated vasorelaxation in an endothelium-dependent process. KV7 inhibition attenuated receptor-dependent nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasorelaxation to carbachol, but had no impact on relaxation to the NO donor, SNP. Conclusions and implications In rat mesenteric artery ECs, KV7.4 and KV7.5 channels are expressed, functionally interact with endothelial KIR2.x channels and contribute to endogenous eNOS-mediated relaxation. This study identifies KV7 channels as novel functional channels within rat mesenteric ECs and suggests that these channels are involved in NO release from the endothelium.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Objective: The SMIT1 (sodium:myo-inositol transporter 1) regulates myo-inositol movement into cells and responses to hypertonic stimuli. Alteration of myo-inositol levels has been associated with several diseases, including hypertension, but there is no evidence of a functional role of SMIT1 in the vasculature. Recent evidence showed that in the nervous system SMIT1 interacted and modulated the function of members of the Kv7 family of voltage-gated potassium channels, which are also expressed in the vasculature where they regulate arterial contractility. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated whether SMIT1 was functionally relevant in arterial smooth muscle. Approach and Results: Immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction experiments revealed that SMIT1 was expressed in rat renal and mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells. Isometric tension recordings showed that incubation of renal arteries with raffinose and myo-inositol (which increases SMIT1 expression) reduced the contractile responses to methoxamine, an effect that was abolished by preincubation with the pan-Kv7 blocker linopirdine and by molecular knockdown of Kv7.4 and Kv7.5. Knockdown of SMIT1 increased the contraction of renal arteries induced by methoxamine, impaired the response to the Kv7.2–Kv7.5 activator ML213 but did not interfere with the relaxant responses induced by openers of other potassium channels. Proximity ligation assay showed that SMIT1 interacted with heteromeric channels formed by Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 proteins in both renal and mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells. Patch-clamp experiments showed that incubation with raffinose plus myo-inositol increased Kv7 currents in vascular smooth muscle cells. Conclusions: SMIT1 protein is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells where it modulates arterial contractility through an association with Kv7.4/Kv7.5 heteromers.

Kv7.4 channels are key determinants of arterial contractility and cochlear mechanosensation that, like all Kv7 channels, have an obligatory requirement for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). βγ G proteins (Gβγ) have been identified as novel positive regulators of Kv7.4. The present study ascertained whether Gβγ increased Kv7.4 open probability through an increased sensitivity to PIP2. In HEK cells stably expressing Kv7.4, PIP2 or Gβγ increased open probability in a concentration dependent manner. Depleting PIP2 prevented any Gβγ-mediated stimulation whilst an array of Gβγ inhibitors prohibited any PIP2-induced current enhancement. A combination of PIP2 and Gβγ at sub-efficacious concentrations increased channel open probability considerably. The stimulatory effects of three Kv7.2-7.5 channel activators were also lost by PIP2 depletion or Gβγ inhibitors. This study alters substantially our understanding of the fundamental processes that dictate Kv7.4 activity, revealing a more complex and subtle paradigm where the reliance on local phosphoinositide is dictated by interaction with Gβγ.

Voltage gated Kv7.4 channels have been implicated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) activity as they modulate basal arterial contractility, mediate responses to endogenous vasorelaxants, and are down-regulated in several arterial beds in different models of hypertension. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a key player in hypertension that affects the expression of several classes of ion channels. In this study we evaluated the effects of Ang II on the expression and function of vascular K(v)7.4. Western blot and quantitative PCR revealed that in whole rat mesenteric artery Ang II incubation for 1-7h decreased K(v)7.4 protein expression without reducing transcript levels. Moreover, Ang II decreased XE991 (K(v)7) –sensitive currents, and attenuated membrane potential hyperpolarization and relaxation induced by the K(v)7 activator ML213. Ang II also reduced K(v)7.4 staining at the plasma membrane of VSMCs. Proteasome inhibition with MG132 prevented Ang II-induced decrease of K(v)7.4 levels, and counteracted the functional impairment of ML213-induced relaxation in myography experiments. Proximity Ligation Assays showed that Ang II impaired the interaction of K(v)7.4 with the molecular chaperone HSP90, enhanced the interaction of K(v)7.4 with the E3 ubiquitin ligase CHIP, and increased K(v)7.4 ubiquitination. Similar alterations were found in mesenteric VSMCs isolated from Ang II-infused mice. The effect of Ang II was emulated by 17-AAG that inhibits HSP90 interactions with client proteins. These results show that Ang II downregulates K(v)7.4 by altering protein stability through a decrease of its interaction with HSP90. This leads to the recruitment of CHIP and K(v)7.4 ubiquitination and degradation via the proteasome.

Objective— In renal arteries, inhibitors of G protein βγ subunits (Gβγ) reduce Kv7 activity and inhibit Kv7-dependent receptor-mediated vasorelaxations. However, the mechanisms underlying receptor-mediated relaxation are artery specific. Consequently, the aim of this study was to ascertain the role of Gβγ in Kv7-dependent vasorelaxations of the rat vasculature. Approach and Results— Isometric tension recording was performed in isolated rat renal, mesenteric, and cerebral arteries to study isoproterenol and calcitonin gene-related peptide relaxations. Kv7.4 was knocked down via morpholino transfection while inhibition of Gβγ was investigated with gallein and M119K. Proximity ligation assay was performed on isolated myocytes to study the association between Kv7.4 and G protein β subunits or signaling intermediaries. Isoproterenol or calcitonin gene-related peptide–induced relaxations were attenuated by Kv7.4 knockdown in all arteries studied. Inhibition of Gβγ with gallein or M119K had no effect on isoproterenol-mediated relaxations in mesenteric artery but had a marked effect on calcitonin gene-related peptide–induced responses in mesenteric artery and cerebral artery and isoproterenol responses in renal artery. Isoproterenol increased association with Kv7.4 and Rap1a in mesenteric artery which were not sensitive to gallein, whereas in renal artery, isoproterenol increased Kv7.4-AKAP (A-kinase anchoring protein) associations in a gallein-sensitive manner. Conclusions— The Gβγ-Kv7 relationship differs between vessels and is an essential requirement for AKAP, but not Rap–mediated regulation of the channel.

Voltage-gated K v 7.4 channels have been implicated in vascular smooth muscle cells’ activity because they modulate basal arterial contractility, mediate responses to endogenous vasorelaxants, and are downregulated in several arterial beds in different models of hypertension. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a key player in hypertension that affects the expression of several classes of ion channels. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Ang II on the expression and function of vascular K v 7.4. Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that in whole rat mesenteric artery, Ang II incubation for 1 to 7 hours decreased K v 7.4 protein expression without reducing transcript levels. Moreover, Ang II decreased XE991 (K v 7)–sensitive currents and attenuated membrane potential hyperpolarization and relaxation induced by the K v 7 activator ML213. Ang II also reduced K v 7.4 staining at the plasma membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells. Proteasome inhibition with MG132 prevented Ang II–induced decrease of K v 7.4 levels and counteracted the functional impairment of ML213-induced relaxation in myography experiments. Proximity ligation assays showed that Ang II impaired the interaction of K v 7.4 with the molecular chaperone HSP90 (heat shock protein 90), enhanced the interaction of K v 7.4 with the E3 ubiquitin ligase CHIP (C terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein), and increased K v 7.4 ubiquitination. Similar alterations were found in mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from Ang II–infused mice. The effect of Ang II was emulated by 17-AAG (17-demethoxy-17-(2-propenylamino) geldanamycin) that inhibits HSP90 interactions with client proteins. These results show that Ang II downregulates K v 7.4 by altering protein stability through a decrease of its interaction with HSP90. This leads to the recruitment of CHIP and K v 7.4 ubiquitination and degradation via the proteasome.

Kv7 channels are voltage-gated potassium channels encoded by KCNQ genes that have a considerable physiological impact in many cell types. This reliance upon Kv7 channels for normal cellular function, as well as the existence of hereditary disorders caused by mutations to KCNQ genes, means that pharmacological targeting of these channels has broad appeal. Consequently, a plethora of chemical entities that modulate Kv7 channel activity have been developed. Moreover, Kv7 channels are influenced by many disparate intracellular mediators and trafficking processes, making upstream targeting an appealing prospect for therapeutic development. This review covers the main characteristics of these multifunctional and versatile channels with the aim of providing insight into the therapeutic value of targeting these channels.

Kv7.4 channels are a crucial determinant of arterial diameter both at rest and in response to endogenous vasodilators. However, nothing is known about the factors that ensure effective activity of these channels. We report that G-protein βγ subunits increase the amplitude and activation rate of whole-cell voltage-dependent K(+) currents sensitive to the Kv7 blocker linopirdine in HEK cells heterologously expressing Kv7.4, and in rat renal artery myocytes. In excised patch recordings, Gβγ subunits (2-250 ng /mL) enhanced the open probability of Kv7.4 channels without changing unitary conductance. Kv7 channel activity was also augmented by stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptors. Gallein, an inhibitor of Gβγ subunits, prevented these stimulatory effects. Moreover, gallein and two other structurally different Gβγ subunit inhibitors (GRK2i and a β-subunit antibody) abolished Kv7 channel currents in the absence of either Gβγ subunit enrichment or G-protein-coupled receptor stimulation. Proximity ligation assay revealed that Kv7.4 and Gβγ subunits colocalized in HEK cells and renal artery smooth muscle cells. Gallein disrupted this colocalization, contracted whole renal arteries to a similar degree as the Kv7 inhibitor linopirdine, and impaired isoproterenol-induced relaxations. Furthermore, mSIRK, which disassociates Gβγ subunits from α subunits without stimulating nucleotide exchange, relaxed precontracted arteries in a linopirdine-sensitive manner. These results reveal that Gβγ subunits are fundamental for Kv7.4 activation and crucial for vascular Kv7 channel activity, which has major consequences for the regulation of arterial tone.

Background and Purpose The KCNQ-encoded voltage-gated potassium channel family (Kv7.1-Kv7.5) are established regulators of smooth muscle contractility, where Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 predominate. Various Kv7.2–7.5 channel enhancers have been developed that have been shown to cause a vasorelaxation in both rodent and human blood vessels. Recently, two novel Kv7 channel enhancers have been identified, ML213 and NS15370, that show increased potency, particularly on Kv7.4 channels. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of these novel enhancers in different rat blood vessels and compare them with Kv7 enhancers (S-1, BMS204352, retigabine) described previously. We also sought to determine the binding sites of the new Kv7 enhancers. Key Results Both ML213 and NS15370 relaxed segments of rat thoracic aorta, renal artery and mesenteric artery in a concentration-dependent manner. In the mesenteric artery ML213 and NS15370 displayed EC50s that were far lower than other Kv7 enhancers tested. Current-clamp experiments revealed that both novel enhancers, at low concentrations, caused significant hyperpolarization in mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells. In addition, we determined that the stimulatory effect of these enhancers relied on a tryptophan residue located in the S5 domain, which is the same binding site for the other Kv7 enhancers tested in this study. Conclusions and Implications This study has identified and characterized ML213 and NS15370 as potent vasorelaxants in different blood vessels, thereby highlighting these new compounds as potential therapeutics for various smooth muscle disorders.

Recently it was shown that KCNQ4-encoded voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv7.4) play an important role in the regulation of resting vascular tone and in response to endogenous vasodilators (Hypertension, 59:877–884, 2012). However there is lack of information about Kv7.4 basic biophysical properties on the single channel level and about their regulatory mechanisms. Therefore, using standard cell-attached and inside-out configurations of the patch-clamp technique we investigated the single channel properties of Kv7.4 in HEK293 cells stably expressing the channel. We found that NPo of Kv7.4 was 0.61±0.05 (n=9, mean±SEM) in the cell-attached configuration at −50 mV (voltage applied to the patch pipette), whereas in the inside-out configuration at 0 mV NPo of Kv7.4 was 0.04±0.01 (n=9). Based on the inside-out experiments, single channel conductance of Kv7.4 was calculated as 2.31 pS. Linopirdine (10 µM), the pan-Kv7 blocker, abolished the single channel activity in both cell-attached and inside-out configuration when added to the patch pipette, but did not produce significant changes when applied to the bath solution. Bath application of PI(4,5)P2 (1 µM) to the inside-out patches or application of active Gβγ subunits (50 ng/ml) resulted in significant increase of NPo of Kv7.4 correspondingly to 0.27±0.09 (n=3) or to 0.34±0.06 (n=6) without affecting channel conductance (p

The Kv7 family of voltage-gated potassium channels are expressed within the vasculature where they are key regulators of vascular tone and mediate cAMP-linked endogenous vasodilator responses, a pathway that is compromised in hypertension. However, the role of Kv7 channels in non–cAMP-linked vasodilator pathways has not been investigated. Natriuretic peptides are potent vasodilators, which operate primarily through the activation of a cGMP-dependent signaling pathway. This study investigated the putative role of Kv7 channels in natriuretic peptide–dependent relaxations in the vasculature of normal and hypertensive animals. Relaxant responses of rat aorta to both atrial and C-type natriuretic peptides and the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside were impaired by the Kv7 blocker linopirdine (10 μmol/L) but not by the Kv7.1-specific blocker HMR1556 (10 μmol/L) and other K + channel blockers. In contrast, only the atrial natriuretic peptide response was sensitive to linopirdine in the renal artery. These Kv7-mediated responses were attenuated in arteries from hypertensive rats. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that A- and B-type natriuretic peptide receptors were expressed at high levels in the aorta and renal artery from normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats. This study provides the first evidence that natriuretic peptide responses are impaired in hypertension and that recruitment of Kv7 channels is a key component of natriuretic peptide–dependent vasodilations.

Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) are widely present in various cell types and have important functions ranging from regulatory volume decrease to control of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Here we aimed to compare the biophysical features and pharmacological profiles of VRAC currents in healthy and cystic fibrosis (CF) respiratory epithelial cells in order to characterize these currents both functionally and pharmacologically. Whole-cell electrophysiology was used to characterize the VRAC current in normal (16HBE14o-; HBE) and CF cell lines (CFBE14o-; CFBE), as well as in native human nasal epithelial cells. Application of hypotonic solution produced current responses of similar sizes in both HBE and CFBE cells. Biophysical properties of VRACs, such as instantaneous activation and deactivation upon voltage step, some inactivation at potentials positive to 40 mV and outwardly-rectifying I-V curves, were indistinguishable in both cell types. Extensive pharmacological analysis of the currents revealed a similar pharmacological profile in response to three blockers--NPPB, DCPIB and DIDS. Native primary human nasal epithelial cells from both healthy and CF volunteers also showed typical VRAC responses of comparable sizes. VRACs in these cells were more sensitive to external solution hypotonicity compared to HBE and CFBE cells. In all cell types studied robust VRAC currents could be induced at constant cell volume by G-protein activation with GTPγS infusion. This study provides the first extensive comparative functional and pharmacological analysis of VRAC currents in normal and CF airway epithelial cells and shows that VRACs are unimpaired molecularly or functionally in CF.

Objective— Middle cerebral artery (MCA) diameter is regulated by inherent myogenic activity and the effect of potent vasodilators such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Previous studies showed that MCAs express KCNQ1, 4, and 5 potassium channel genes, and the expression products (Kv7 channels) participate in the myogenic control of MCA diameter. The present study investigated the contribution of Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 isoforms to myogenic and CGRP regulation of MCA diameter and determined whether they were affected in hypertensive animals. Approach and Results— Isometric tension recordings performed on MCA from normotensive rats produced CGRP vasodilations that were inhibited by the pan-Kv7 channel blocker linopirdine ( P P Conclusions— This study reveals, for the first time to our knowledge, that in cerebral arteries, Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 proteins exist predominantly as a functional heterotetramer, which regulates intrinsic myogenicity and vasodilation attributed to CGRP. Surprisingly, unlike systemic arteries, Kv7 activity in MCAs is not affected by the development of hypertension, and CGRP-mediated vasodilation is well maintained. As such, cerebrovascular Kv7 channels could be amenable for therapeutic targeting in conditions such as cerebral vasospasm.

Potassium channels are key regulators of smooth muscle tone, with increases in activity resulting in hyperpolarisation of the cell membrane, which acts to oppose vasoconstriction. Several potassium channels exist within smooth muscle, but the KV7 family of voltage-gated potassium channels have been identified as being crucial mediators of this process in a variety of smooth muscle. Recently, KV7 channels have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, as well as being implicated in other smooth muscle disorders, providing a new and inviting target for smooth muscle disorders.

KCNQ4-encoded voltage-gated potassium channels, Kv 7.4, are important regulators of vascular tone at rest and in response to endogenous vasodilators (Hypertension, 59:877-884, 2012). The activity of these channels is dependent upon phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, PIP2 (J.Gen.Physiol. 140:41-53, 2012) and by G-protein βγ subunits (PNAS, 112:6497-6502). HEK293 cells heterologously expressing Kv 7.4 were used in standard whole-cell, cell-attached and inside-out configurations of patch-clamp technique to investigate mechanisms of action of these molecules on the channel. We found that after application of wortmannin, an inhibitor of PIP2 resynthesis, whole-cell currents through Kv 7.4 evoked by step depolarization from −60 mV to 0 mV gradually decreased from 34.4±4.3 pA/pF (n=7, mean±SEM) by 85% during 20 minutes and established at steady level. Further inhibition was achieved by short activation of HEK293 native G-protein-coupled proteinase-activated receptors or purinoceptors. Gallein, an inhibitor of Gβγ subunits, produced the same level of inhibition. Structurally different activators of Kv 7 channels (ML213, NS15370, Retigabine, S-1) enhanced currents in both PIP2- and Gβγ subunits- depleted cells, but the level of increase for all of them was less than 19% in comparison to the controls. In cell-attached experiments wortmannin/gallein reduced single channel with NPo decreasing by more than 95%. Application of Gβγ subunits to PIP2- depleted inside-out patches or PIP2 applied to Gβγ subunits- depleted patches produced insignificant effects on low channel activity. This study shows that PIP2 and Gβγ subunits are crucial for Kv 7.4 function and modulation by pharmacological activators.Supported by the British Heart Foundation (PG/12/63/29824) and by the Medical Research Council (MR/K019074/1).